12 DAYS GORILLA TRACKING &
RWENZORI HIKING TO MARGHERITA
This 12-day Uganda adventure combines a true Rwenzori summit expedition with the unforgettable gorilla tracking experience — starting with the legendary Margherita Peak (5,109 m) in the Mountains of the Moon, then finishing in the misty forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Expect big-mountain trekking days through rainforest, bamboo zones, alpine bogs and glacial terrain, backed by expert local guides and full porter support, followed by one of Africa’s most emotional wildlife encounters.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 —
Arrival in Entebbe & hotel transfer
Overnight: Protea Hotel, Entebbe
Day 2 —
Entebbe → Kasese
Overnight: Margherita Hotel, Kasese
Day 3 —
Nyakalengija → Nyabitaba Hut
Overnight: Nyabitaba Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 4 —
Nyabitaba Hut → John Matte Hut
Overnight: John Matte Hut
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Day 5 —
John Matte Hut → Bujuku Hut
Overnight: Bujuku Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 6 —
Bujuku Hut → Elena Hut
Overnight: Elena Hut
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Day 7 — Summit day
Margherita Peak → Kitandara Hut
Overnight: Kitandara Hut.
Trekking time: ~10–14 hours
Day 8 —
Kitandara Hut → Guy Yeoman Hut
Overnight: Guy Yeoman Hut
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Day 9 —
Guy Yeoman Hut → Nyabitaba Nya
Nyakalengija → Kasese
Overnight: Margherita Hotel in Kasese
Trekking time: 6–8 hours
Day 10 —
Kasese →
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
(via Queen Elizabeth “moving safari”)
Overnight: Ruhija Gorilla Friends
Tented Camp (Bwindi).
Day 11 —
Gorilla tracking
Overnight: Lodge/camp in Bwindi
Day 12 —
Bwindi →
Kampala/ Entebbe (Departure)
Hotel in Kampala
(If not departing same day)
On arrival at Entebbe International Airport, you will be met by a representative from Weismann Safaris & Expeditions and transferred to Protea Hotel (about 2.6 km / 4 minutes). Depending on your arrival time, you can choose your meal plan and settle in, then review the program for the next day with your tour driver/guide so everything starts smoothly.
Morning drive to western Uganda via the Mityana–Fort Portal–Kasese route. It’s a long transfer day, but the scenery changes constantly as you move toward the Rwenzori region. Stop along the way for breaks, arrive in Kasese, check in, have lunch, and rest ahead of the trek.
After breakfast, transfer to Rwenzori Mountains National Park HQ at Nyakalengija (1,646 m) for registration and briefing. Begin the trek through villages and farms of the Bakonzo people, then into forest. Follow the Mubuku River, cross the Mahoma River, and climb through bracken fern slopes and forest canopy to Nyabitaba Hut (2,652 m). Possible sightings include monkeys, Rwenzori turaco and endemic three-horned chameleons.
Cross the Kurt Shaffer Bridge and continue through muddy sections before climbing into bamboo forest. Move from forest into the heather zone with giant lobelia, groundsels and everlasting flowers. Continue along the Bujuku River through boggy terrain to John Matte Hut (3,414 m). On clear days, enjoy views of Mount Stanley and the snow-capped Margherita and Elena peaks.
Cross the Bujuku River and enter the Lower Bigo Bog, moving between tussocks (boardwalk sections exist in places). This is where the landscape opens into the alpine zone with unique vegetation. You may see giant lobelia gardens, wild berries, sunbirds, red duikers and rock hyrax. If weather allows, view the peaks of Mount Stanley, Mount Baker and Mount Speke. You end the day at 3,962 m at Bujuku Hut near Lake Bujuku.
Climb steep slopes west of Lake Bujuku through bog and the dramatic Groundsel Gully to Scott-Elliot Pass (4,372 m). A metal ladder assists over a steep section before the trail splits. Take the right-hand route up a boulder-strewn path to Elena Hut (4,541 m), a cold and iconic high mountain base for the summit attempt.
Early start for the summit attempt. From Elena Hut, continue to the base of the Stanley Glacier and climb toward Margherita Peak (5,109 m). The ascent typically takes 5–7 hours depending on conditions and pace, crossing glaciers, slippery rock, ice and exposed sections. This is a demanding day suited to strong, technically capable trekkers.
After the summit attempt, return to Elena Hut, then descend via Scott-Elliot Pass with spectacular views back to Lake Bujuku, Mount Speke and Mount Stanley. Continue down to the twin Kitandara Lakes for a well-earned rest by the shores.
Note: If you return late from the summit attempt, an extra night at Elena Hut may be required (creating an additional day).
Steep ascent up the headwall from Kitandara, passing beneath Mount Baker and continuing to Freshfield Pass (4,282 m). Enjoy views toward the Congo (west) and Mount Stanley (north). From the pass, descend along boggy and slippery rock sections toward Bujongolo rock shelter (historic base from the Duke of Abruzzi expedition, 1906). Continue to Guy Yeoman Hut (3,261 m).
Complete the Central Circuit by descending through the Mubuku and Kichuchu river valleys, rich in heather-zone flora, then into bamboo forest. Reach Nyabitaba Hut in about 4–5 hours. You may either continue down to Nyakalengija HQ (add 2–3 hours) or overnight at Nyabitaba. Most clients continue to Nyakalengija and transfer to Kasese town.
Drive toward Bwindi (about 6–7 hours). The route bisects Queen Elizabeth National Park, so this transfer often feels like a “moving safari” with chances to spot elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, warthogs and baboons along the way. Continue through community areas and rolling highland scenery before arriving in Bwindi for dinner and an early night.
After an early breakfast, head to the park for your gorilla trekking briefing. Trek duration varies depending on the gorillas’ location, but the reward is extraordinary: one unforgettable hour with a mountain gorilla family in their natural habitat. Return to camp for a well-earned rest, with time to reflect on one of the most emotional wildlife experiences in Africa.
After breakfast, begin the scenic return journey through rolling hills and terraced landscapes often referred to as the “Switzerland of Africa”. Continue toward Kampala/Entebbe, arriving late afternoon/evening depending on stops and road conditions. Dinner and overnight in Kampala, or transfer directly to Entebbe for your international flight depending on your schedule.
